Radioactive dust

Bombs, Cobalt. Atomic or hydrogen bombs encased in cobalt which, upon detonation, would be transformed into deadly radioactive dust. These bombs, at present, are of theoretical interest inasmuch as they are considered too dangerous to use since the dust would effect friend, foe and neutral alike. In the detonation process, part of the Co59 is converted to Co60, a very radioactive substance Ref Glossary of Ord(1959),41... 

Bombs, Uranium. Theoretical atomic or hydrogen bombs(See Vol l,p A499-L) encased in Uranium, which, on deton, would be transformed into deadly radioactive dust Ref Glossary of Ord(1959),44... 

Albert, R.E. Arnett, L.C. (1955) Clearance of radioactive dust from the lung. 

The main aspects for the selection of plasma facing materials for ITER are the requirements of plasma performance (minimize impurity contamination), engineering integrity, component lifetime and safety (e.g., minimize tritium and radioactive dust inventories) [7]. Currently, the ITER design uses beryl-... 

Bigu J, Duport P. 1992. Charcaterization of long-lived radioactive dust in uranium mill operations. 

In an atomic bomb, two subcritical portions of fissionable material are brought together to form a critical mass. A nuclear fission explosion results. A tremendous amount of heat energy is released, as well as many radionuclides whose effects are devastating to life and the environment. The radioactive dust and debris are called fallout. 

The primary requisite of the combustion chamber is the insurance of complete combustion. If air is used to support combustion, the air supply should be drawn from somewhere outside the building to eliminate the possibility of radioactive dust being dispersed through the building in the event of a puff resulting from momentarily accelerated combustion. Remote ignition should be provided within the combustion chamber. 

Individual Protection - While in radiological hazard areas, individuals shall wear clothing that will not allow radioactive dust to cause injury to exposed skin. All exposed skin shall be covered to prevent deposition of radioactive dust. Individuals in the radiological hazard area shall wear respiratory protection to ensure that inhalation of radioactive dust does not occur. 

The MCU2A/P Chemical-Biological Mask, with a serviceable canister installed, protects the face, eyes, and respiratory tract from chemical and biological warfare agents and radioactive dust. The MCU-2A/P is the standard ground crew mask used by all Air Force personnel. The MCU-2A/P has been fielded since early 1988. 

Airborne effluents, carrying radon gas ( Rn) and radioactive dust particles... 

Constraints of Plant Design. The potential hazards encountered in the uranium feed materials processing industry include many that are common to the heavy chemicals industry. However special problems present themselves owing to direct radiation, the possibility of inhalation and ingestion of radioactive dusts and gases, nuclear safety, and more unusual chemical hazards. 

Ordinary chemical laboratories may be used for radiochemical work at low levels of short lived 0-y radionuclides (e.g. half-lives < 14 d and activity levels < 10 kBq). However, it is recommended that a special room be used for radioactive woric. In the design of such a laboratory it is important that airborne contamination be prevented from spreading to counting rooms and to offices. Therefore, a pressure difference between the laboratories and the other areas is desirable. The air velocity in the fume hoods should never be below 0.25 m s , and 0.5 m s is recommended. With such a flow velocity, radioactive dust and fumes are retained in the hood and removed through the vents. The fume hoods should have filters for collecting radioactive particulates. 

Compare A biological concern about working around some radioactive materials is the radioactive dust a person might inhale. Compare the effect of alpha radiation outside the body and inside the body. 

A second area of potential concern would be ranges in which spent uranium anti-tank shells were used. These may not be a concern when unfired and intact. However, evidence now suggests that when pulverized into dust after hitting an armored target, the radioactive dust can be inhaled and ingested. Even non-penetrating radiation such as alpha particles may be dangerous once it enters the body. 

The report began with the statement that the committee was concerned with the matter of possible military aspects of atomic fission and listed three of those possibilities production of violently radioactive materials. .. carried by airplanes to be scattered as bombs over enemy territory, a power source on submarines and other ships and violently explosive bombs. Radioactive dust would need a year s preparation after the first successful production of a chain reaction, which meant not earlier than 1943. A power source would need at least three years after a chain reaction. Bombs required concentrating U235 or possibly making plutonium in a chain reaction, so atomic bombs can hardly be anticipated before 1945. ... 

Shielding. Wear Level B PPE (Level G may be used if the APR is rated for radioactive material) so as not to inhale any radioactive dust. Try to maintain something dense, preferably large metal or concrete objects, between you and the source of contamination. 

Whole body hostile atmosphere (toxic fumes/ radioactive dusts) pressurized suits... 

Wet electrofilters are sometimes used to collect radioactive dust dry electro-filters are quite inefficient here, because of the effect of the radioactive isotopes on the electric field. 

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